Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Rogan

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Rogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host. He is best known for hosting 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' a highly influential podcast where he engages in discussions with guests on a wide array of topics including current events, comedy, politics, science, and philosophy. Rogan's podcast is recognized as one of the most popular and influential in the world, drawing a large audience and sparking public discourse.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: First Allegation of Joke Thievery

Since 1993, Joe Rogan had claimed that comedian Carlos Mencia had stolen jokes.

2005: Accusation against Carlos Mencia

In 2005, Joe Rogan wrote a blog entry accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

February 2007: Confrontation with Carlos Mencia

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted comedian Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood over allegations of joke thievery, which he had been claiming since 1993. This led to Rogan's expulsion from The Gersh Agency and a ban from The Comedy Store.

2010: Accusation of Joke Thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of joke thievery, marking a controversy within the comedy community.

April 2021: Controversial Remarks on COVID-19 Vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming young, healthy people did not need them, sparking criticism and debate.

January 2022: Open Letter from Scientists and Healthcare Workers

In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, professors, doctors, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over "false and societally harmful assertions" on "The Joe Rogan Experience", particularly regarding COVID-19 misinformation.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Removal of Music From Spotify

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young demanded Spotify remove his music if they didn't remove The Joe Rogan Experience, citing misinformation concerns. He stated that "Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform".

February 4, 2022: Spotify Removes 70 Episodes Pre-Dating COVID-19

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of "The Joe Rogan Experience" which pre-dated the COVID-19 pandemic. These episodes were selected by Rogan himself, after conversations with Spotify about his past racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy over Racial Slur

In February 2022, India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying a racial slur on "The Joe Rogan Experience", leading to an apology from Rogan and discussions about context and intent. This sparked a large debate involving other public figures, and accusations of a political 'hit job'.

February 2022: Spotify Removes Episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of "The Joe Rogan Experience" due to concerns over racist and insensitive language, marking a significant controversy.

April 2022: Rogan's comments on transgender women in sports

In April 2022, Joe Rogan commented on transgender women competing in women's sports, singling out transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Rogan stated that Thomas "might be the woke straw that breaks society's camel's back".

October 2022: Rogan Shares Litter Box Hoax

In October 2022, Joe Rogan shared the widely discredited litter boxes in schools hoax while interviewing Tulsi Gabbard, claiming public schools were providing litter boxes to students who dress up as cats.

February 2023: Rogan's Comments on Jewish People and Money

In February 2023, Joe Rogan stated on his podcast that the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous", defending Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the comment as reflecting "antisemitic tropes about Jews and money".

February 2024: Rogan Promotes Debunked AIDS Claims

In February 2024, during a podcast with Bret Weinstein, Joe Rogan promoted the debunked claim that party drugs were "a very important factor in AIDS" and falsely claimed that the antiviral drug AZT killed people "quicker" than AIDS itself.

March 2024: Description of Israel's Actions as Genocide

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide". Later in March, he said he appreciated Coleman Hughes' perspective after Hughes disputed the allegations.

April 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement was ineffective and surrounded by misleading advertising.

November 2024: Comments on Putin and the Invasion of Ukraine

In November 2024, Joe Rogan said the Russian invasion of Ukraine was "100% wrong." He also criticized both President Biden and Zelenskyy, leading to criticism from Wladimir Klitschko.

January 10, 2025: Joe Rogan Interview with Mark Zuckerberg

On January 10, 2025, Joe Rogan interviewed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. During the interview, Zuckerberg claimed the Biden administration pressured Facebook to remove posts about COVID-19 vaccine side effects.

April 2025: Criticism of Deportation Operations

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific."

April 2025: Rogan Comments on Disability Slur

In April 2025, Joe Rogan controversially stated that the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" is "one of the greatest cultural victories that I think is spurred on, probably, by podcasts".